U.S. patent number 6,772,458 [Application Number 10/294,313] was granted by the patent office on 2004-08-10 for collapsible restraining enclosure for a bed.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Vivax Medical Corporation. Invention is credited to Thomas D. Ellen, John J. Gildea.
United States Patent |
6,772,458 |
Ellen , et al. |
August 10, 2004 |
Collapsible restraining enclosure for a bed
Abstract
A collapsible enclosure for restraining a patient to an area
about a bed comprises a frame having a horizontal eave portion, a
horizontal base portion opposing the horizontal eave portion, and
at least two vertical members upstanding from the horizontal base
portion for supporting the horizontal eave portion. The frame
collapses as an integral unit for storage and transfer. A net
assembly secured to the frame defines an area about a bed such that
a patient is allowed to move freely within the area.
Inventors: |
Ellen; Thomas D. (North Granby,
CT), Gildea; John J. (Bondville, VT) |
Assignee: |
Vivax Medical Corporation
(Torrington, CT)
|
Family
ID: |
42635476 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/294,313 |
Filed: |
November 14, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
5/424; 135/143;
135/151; 135/96; 5/414; 5/97; 5/98.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47C
21/08 (20130101); A47C 29/003 (20130101); A61G
7/0526 (20130101); A61G 10/005 (20130101); A61G
10/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47C
21/00 (20060101); A47C 29/00 (20060101); A47C
21/08 (20060101); A61G 7/05 (20060101); A47C
021/08 () |
Field of
Search: |
;5/414,508,97,98.1,424
;135/96,157,143,151 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Grosz; Alexander
Attorney, Agent or Firm: McCarter & English, LLP
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 60/332,750, filed Nov. 14, 2001, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An enclosure for restraining a patient to an area about a bed,
wherein the bed is adapted to support the patient, comprising: a
removable and collapsible frame adapted to surround the bed and to
be positioned on a surface supporting the bed, the frame having: an
upper laterally extending support; a first upstanding support
coupled to a first side of the upper laterally extending support;
and a second upstanding support coupled to a second side of the
upper laterally extending support, wherein at least one of the
first upstanding support, the second upstanding support and the
upper laterally extending support is movable relative to at least
one of the other supports for folding the frame for transport or
storage; and a canopy connectable to the frame for defining an area
about the bed such that a patient is allowed to move freely within
the area, and including at least one access portion movable between
a closed position and an open position defining an opening through
the canopy for allowing access to the patient area, and at least
one see-through portion for permitting visual monitoring of the
patient area from outside of the canopy.
2. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, wherein the first and second
upstanding supports are pivotally coupled to the upper laterally
extending support such that the upper laterally extending support
folds compactly relative to the first and second upstanding
supports.
3. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, further comprising: corner
brackets for pivotally coupling the upper laterally extending
support to the first and second upstanding supports; and at least
one coupling intermediate the sides of the upper laterally
extending support, such that the first side of the upper laterally
extending support is foldable toward the first upstanding support
and the second side of the upper laterally extending support is
foldable toward the second upstanding support.
4. An enclosure as recited in claim 3, wherein the upper laterally
extending support includes upper transverse members, the upper
transverse members having couplings for rigidly fixing and folding
the upper transverse members.
5. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, wherein the frame further
comprises a lower laterally extending support opposing the upper
laterally extending support.
6. An enclosure as recited in claim 5, wherein the frame further
comprises a coupling for pivoting at least a portion of the lower
laterally extending support to define an opening for moving a bed
therethrough.
7. An enclosure as recited in claim 5, further comprising: corner
brackets for pivotally coupling the lower laterally extending
support to the first and second upstanding supports; and a pair of
couplings intermediate each end of the lower laterally extending
support, such that a first side of the lower laterally extending
support folds compactly toward the first upstanding support and a
second side of the lower laterally extending support folds
compactly toward the second upstanding support, and wherein an
elongated portion of the lower laterally extending support is
laterally offset with respect to an elongated portion of the upper
laterally extending support for allowing overlap therebetween when
folding the frame.
8. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, further comprising a
plurality of zippers for securing the canopy assembly to the frame,
wherein at least one zipper is connected to the access portion for
closing the access portion by closing the zipper, and for opening
the access portion by opening the zipper and allowing access to the
patient area.
9. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, further comprising third and
fourth upstanding supports for supporting the upper laterally
extending support, wherein each upstanding support is in a
respective corner of the frame.
10. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, wherein the frame supports
the canopy within an interior thereof.
11. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, wherein the see-through
portion of the canopy is fabricated at least partially from dark
netting for allowing seeing into and out of the patient area.
12. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, wherein the see-through
portion of the canopy includes means for forming a mesh and
allowing high visibility from outside the canopy therethrough and
resistance to staining.
13. An enclosure as recited in claim 12, wherein said means is a
dark colored netting.
14. An enclosure as recited in claim 13, wherein the color of the
netting is selected from the group including black, brown and
blue.
15. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, wherein the see-through
portion is defined by a dark colored mesh.
16. An enclosure as defined in claim 15, wherein the color of the
mush is selected from the group including black, blue and
brown.
17. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, wherein the upper laterally
extending support includes two laterally extending upper support
members spaced relative to each other, and two transversely
extending upper support members connected between the laterally
extending upper support members, and wherein each upper support
member includes a coupling for permitting opposing sides of the
respective support member to be pivotally moved between open and
collapsed positions.
18. An enclosure as recited in claim 17, further comprising a lower
laterally extending support opposing the upper laterally extending
support, and wherein the lower laterally extending support includes
two laterally extending lower support members spaced relative to
each other, and two transversely extending lower support members
connected between the laterally extending lower support members,
and wherein each lower support member includes a coupling for
permitting opposing sides of the support member to be pivotally
moved between open and collapsed positions.
19. An enclosure as recited in claim 18, wherein at least one of
the laterally extending lower support members is spaced
transversely relative to the opposing laterally extending upper
support member to permit the respective upper and lower support
members to overlap when moving between open and collapsed
positions.
20. An enclosure as recited in claim 19, wherein the canopy is
foldable with the frame between open and collapsed positions.
21. An enclosure as recited in claim 18, wherein the laterally
extending upper and lower support members are pivotal toward each
other, and the transversely extending upper and lower support
members are pivotal, toward each other, to collapse the frame.
22. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, wherein the canopy includes
at least one mounting sleeve receiving therein at least a portion
of the upper laterally extending support for supporting the canopy
thereon.
23. An enclosure as recited in claim 22, wherein the mounting
sleeve includes an outer polymeric layer, an inner mesh layer, and
a foam layer between the outer polymeric layer and inner mesh
layer.
24. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, wherein the upper laterally
extending support includes a plurality of support members, and the
canopy comprises a plurality of mounting sleeves, wherein each
mounting sleeve receives therein a support member for supporting
the canopy on the upper laterally extending support.
25. An enclosure as recited in claim 24, wherein the upper
laterally extending support includes two elongated support members
spaced relative to each other, and two transversely extending
support members coupled between the elongated support members, and
the canopy further comprises a plurality of mounting sleeves,
wherein each mounting sleeve receives therein a support member for
supporting the canopy on the upper laterally extending support.
26. An enclosure as recited in claim 24, wherein each mounting
sleeve includes an outer polymeric layer, an inner mesh layer, and
a foam layer between the outer polymeric layer and inner mesh
layer.
27. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, wherein the canopy further
comprises at least one collar coupled to and covering at least a
portion of an upstanding support.
28. An enclosure as recited in claim 27, wherein each collar
includes an outer polymeric layer, an inner mesh layer, and a foam
layer between the outer polymeric layer and inner mesh layer.
29. An enclosure as recited in claim 28, wherein the canopy
includes a plurality of collars covering at least portions of the
first and second upstanding supports for protecting the patient
against injury from the frame.
30. An enclosure as recited in claim 1, further comprising a lower
laterally extending support opposing the upper laterally extending
support, and wherein the lower laterally extending support includes
a lower laterally extending support member and a coupling for
permitting opposing sides of the lower laterally extending support
member to be pivotally moved between open and collapsed
positions.
31. An enclosure as recited in claim 30, wherein at least one side
of the lower laterally extending support member releasable from the
coupling for pivoting the respective side of the lower laterally
extending support member relative to at least one upstanding
support to define a passage within the frame for moving a bed
therethrough.
32. An enclosure for restraining a patient to a bed, wherein the
bed is adapted to support the patient, comprising: a removable and
collapsible frame adapted to surround the bed and to be positioned
on a surface supporting the bed, including: a plurality of
elongated upper supports having a first portion and a second
portion with a pivotable coupling spaced between the first portion
and the second portion of each elongated upper support; a plurality
of transverse upper supports coupled to the elongated upper
supports; a plurality of elongated base supports having a first
portion and a second portion with a pivotable coupling spaced
between the first portion and the second portion of each elongated
base support; a plurality of transverse base supports coupled to
the elongated base supports; a plurality of upstanding supports for
supporting the elongated and transverse upper supports above the
elongated and transverse base supports, respectively, each
upstanding support having an upper end and a base end; a plurality
of upper connectors for movably connecting the upper ends of the
upstanding supports with the elongated and the transverse upper
supports to form a plurality of upper corners such that the upper
ends of the upstanding supports, the elongated upper supports and
the transverse upper supports are fixable relative to one another
in use, and foldable relative to one another for storage; and a
plurality of base connectors for movably connecting the base ends
of the upstanding supports with the elongated and the transverse
base supports to form a plurality of base corners such that the
base ends of the upstanding supports, the elongated base supports
and the transverse base supports are fixable relative to one
another in use, and foldable relative to one another for storage;
and a canopy connectable to the frame for defining an area about
the bed such that a patient is allowed to move freely within the
area, wherein the canopy includes at least one access portion for
allowing access to the patient area, and at least one see-through
portion for permitting visual monitoring of the patient from
outside of the canopy.
33. An enclosure as recited in claim 32, wherein each elongated
base support is at least partially laterally offset with respect to
a respective elongated upper supports.
34. An enclosure as recited in claim 32, wherein each upper and
base connector includes: a base component having a platform with a
first upstanding truss on an edge thereof; and an upper component
having a flange for engaging the base component with a second
upstanding truss thereon, wherein the first and second upstanding
trusses define a channel for receiving a portion of the respective
upstanding support, such that when the enclosure is assembled, the
upstanding supports are fixed to the respective connectors.
35. An enclosure as recited in claim 32, wherein each of the
transverse upper and base supports includes a pivotable coupling
for pivotally moving opposing sides of the supports relative to
each other.
36. An enclosure as recited in claim 32, further comprising means
attached to the frame for retaining the enclosure in a
substantially minimized condition.
37. An enclosure as recited in claim 36, wherein said means is one
of a strap and a transport bag.
38. An enclosure for restraining a patient to an area about a bed,
wherein the bed is adapted to support the patient, comprising: a
removable and collapsible frame adapted to surround the bed and to
be positioned on a surface supporting the bed, including: first
means for supporting, and for defining a bed-shaped area for
receiving thereunder the bed; second means for supporting a first
head portion of the first means above the bed; and third means for
supporting a second portion of the first means above the bed,
wherein at least one of the first means, the second means and the
third means is movable relative to at least one of the other for
folding the collapsible frame for transport or storage; and fourth
means connectable to the first means for defining an enclosed
patient area about the bed such that the patient is allowed to move
freely within the area; fifth means for selectively forming an
opening through the fourth means and allowing access to the patient
area therethrough; and sixth means for permitting visual monitoring
of the enclosed patient area from, outside of the fourth means.
39. An enclosure as recited in claim 38, further comprising seventh
means for pivotally connecting the first means to the second means
and to the third means, and for fixing the first means, the second
means and the third means relative to each other.
40. An enclosure as recited in claim 39, wherein the seventh means
is a pivotal coupling.
41. An enclosure as recited in claim 38, wherein the first means is
an upper laterally extending support.
42. An enclosure as recited in claim 38, wherein the second means
is an upstanding support.
43. An enclosure as recited in claim 38, wherein the third means as
an upstanding support.
44. An enclosure as recited in claim 38, wherein the fourth means
as a canopy.
45. An enclosure as recited in claim 38, wherein the fifth means is
an access portion movable between a closed position and an open
position defining an opening through the fourth means for allowing
access to the patient area.
46. An enclosure as recited in claim 38, wherein the sixth means is
a see-through portion of the fourth means that permits visual
monitoring therethrough of the patient area.
47. An enclosure as recited in claim 46, wherein the see-through
portion is defined by a dark-colored mesh.
48. An enclosure as recited in claim 47, wherein the color of the
mesh is selected from the group including black, blue and
brown.
49. A method for restraining a patient to an area about a bed
adapted to support the patient, the method comprising the steps of:
providing a removable and collapsible frame including an upper
support and a plurality of upstanding supports coupled to the upper
support, wherein at least one of the upper supports and upstanding
supports is movable relative to at least one of the other supports
for folding the frame into a collapsed condition and unfolding the
frame into an open condition; positioning the collapsible frame in
an open condition on a surface supporting the bed; surrounding the
bed with a canopy supported on the frame and defining an area
within the canopy and about the bed within which the patient is
allowed to move; allowing access to the patient through a portion
of the canopy that is movable between an open and a closed
position; and allowing visual monitoring of the patient from
outside of the canopy through a see-through portion of the
canopy.
50. A method as recited in claim 49, further comprising the step of
collapsing the frame by pivoting at least a portion of the upper
support inwardly toward at least one of the upstanding
supports.
51. A method as recited in claim 49, wherein the frame includes a
lower support coupled to the upstanding supports and opposing the
upper support, and further comprising the step of collapsing the
frame by pivoting at least a portion of the upper support
downwardly toward the lower support and at least a portion of the
lower support upwardly toward the upper support.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The subject invention relates to systems for providing a
restraining enclosure for patients for whom it is desirable to
restrain to a bed area.
2. Background of the Related Art
Various illnesses and conditions such as brain trauma, dementia and
Alzheimer's disease often leave people in such a condition that
constant management of the patient is necessary to prevent further
injury and mishap. Traditional systems and methods for monitoring
and controlling patients with such needs have included bed straps
or restraints, straight jackets, sedation, a monitoring device, a
dedicated individual at hand, isolation rooms and the like both
alone and in combination. Many of these prior art methods and
systems are burdensome to all concerned and prohibitively
expensive. For example, bed straps immobilize a patient on a bed.
When the patient desires to move or change position, the restraints
prevent such shifting. As a result, a restrained patient can become
very uncomfortable and/or agitated in addition to suffering medical
complications. For another example, a dedicated person to attend to
the restrained person's needs on an all day, every day basis is
cost prohibitive.
Recently, several techniques for addressing confining a patient to
a bed area while allowing free movement have been developed to
address the needs of the patient and caregiver. Some examples are
illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,216,291 to Eads et al. and
6,263,529 to Chadwick et al., each of which is incorporated herein
by reference. However, there are problems associated with the prior
art enclosure bed apparatus. Often, the condition which requires
restraint may be temporary and as a result transportation, assembly
and disassembly of the enclosure may be common. The prior art
systems require extensive manpower for assembly and disassembly.
When disassembled, loose parts can be lost and transport and
storage is cumbersome and difficult. To assemble, tools and
excessive know-how and manpower are needed. When assembled,
excessive bulk prevents easy transport and storage.
There is a need, therefore, for an improved system which permits
easy assembly, disassembly, storage and transport and aids in
assuring adequate restraint and monitoring of patients.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a collapsible enclosure for
restraining a patient to an area about a bed, including a frame
having a horizontal eave portion, a horizontal base portion
opposing the horizontal eave portion and at least two vertical
members upstanding from the horizontal base portion for supporting
the horizontal eave portion, wherein for storage and transport the
frame collapses as an integral unit. A canopy assembly secures to
the frame for defining an area about a bed such that the patient is
allowed to move freely within the area.
In a currently preferred embodiment, the enclosure for restraining
a patient to an area about a bed includes a frame for surrounding a
bed. The frame has an upper laterally extending support and first
and second upstanding supports for supporting the upper laterally
extending support, wherein for storage and transport the frame
folds compactly. A canopy assembly is secured to the frame for
defining an area about the bed such that a patient is allowed to
move freely within the area.
Accordingly, it is an object of the subject invention to provide an
enclosure which is easily assembled, disassembled, transported,
stored and cleaned.
It is an object of the subject invention to provide for safe
restraint of a patient to an area yet still allow for free and
comfortable movement within the area.
It is another object of the subject invention to provide a
restraining enclosure which permits effective visual monitoring of
the patient with the area of retention.
It should be appreciated that the present invention can be
implemented and utilized in numerous ways, including without
limitation as a process, an apparatus, a system, a device and a
method for applications now known and later developed. These and
other unique features of the system disclosed herein will become
more readily apparent from the following description and the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
disclosed system appertains will more readily understand how to
make and use the same, reference may be had to the drawings
wherein:
FIG. 1 illustrates a collapsible patient restraining enclosure for
a bed constructed in accordance with subject invention, and in
particular the restraining enclosure positioned about a bed.
FIG. 2A is a perspective view of an assembled frame of the
restraining enclosure of FIG. 1.
FIG. 2B is a bottom plan view of the assembled frame of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3A is a perspective view of an outer portion of a corner
bracket of the frame of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3B is a perspective view of an inner portion of a corner
bracket of the frame of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3C is a perspective view of a partially assembled corner
bracket of the frame of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3D is a perspective view of two partially assembled corner
brackets secured to a vertical bar of a frame of the restraining
enclosure of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3E is a top view of an end of a support of the frame of FIG.
1.
FIG. 3F is a bottom view of an end of a support of the frame of
FIG. 1.
FIG. 3G is a side view of an end of a support of the frame of FIG.
1.
FIG. 3H is a perspective view of a tether of the restraining
enclosure of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3I is a top view of a coupling of the frame of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3J is a side end view of a coupling of the frame of FIG.
1.
FIG. 3K is an end view of a coupling of the frame of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3L is a plan view of a nut plate of the frame of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 1 in a partially
collapsed state.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the frame of FIG. 1 in a fully
collapsed state.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a canopy for another embodiment of
an enclosure constructed in accordance with the subject
invention.
FIG. 7 is a partially disassembled view of a sleeve of the canopy
of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8A is a partially disassembled view of an exemplary collar
assembly for use with the canopy of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view of the collar assembly of FIG. 8A
taken along line B--B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The present invention overcomes many of the prior art problems
associated with enclosures for restraining patients to a bed area.
The advantages, and other features of the system disclosed herein,
will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in
the art from the following detailed description of certain
preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which
set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and
wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural
elements.
The subject enclosure safely confines a patient to an area defined
around a bed. However, the patient is free to move within the area
about the bed. Caregivers and attendants can see into the
restrained area as well as access the patient through selectively
fastenable openings. The patient has the ability to see and
interact with the general environment around the enclosure. When
not in use, the enclosure can be collapsed for easy storage and
transport.
Referring to FIG. 1, a collapsible enclosure 100 confines a person
to their bed 200 without restraints. Typically, the enclosure 100
would be used in a hospital environment with a standard hospital
bed 200. The enclosure 100 has a unitary aluminum frame 110 which
defines an area of restraint about the bed 200. It is envisioned
that the frame 110 can be fabricated from a variety of materials
now known and later developed such as steel, PVC pipe, aluminum,
plastics, carbon fiber composite, other metals and the like, alone
or in combination, to create a suitably robust and lightweight
frame 110. In one embodiment, the frame 110 has casters for moving
the frame 110.
A canopy 102 is draped about the frame 110 and secured in place to
prevent a person from leaving the area of restraint. The canopy 102
leaves access to a portion of the bed 200 for adjustment thereto.
The canopy 102 can be secured in place on or over the frame 110 by
zippers, fabric sleeves which slide over the frame components,
velcro and the like or combinations thereof as would be appreciated
by those of ordinary skill in the art based upon review of the
subject disclosure. Zippers 108 allow movement of portions of the
canopy 102 to allow access to the area of retention. Preferably,
all of the zippers used on canopy 102 are self-locking.
In one embodiment, the canopy 102 drapes on the inside of the
frame. Preferably, the canopy 102 is fabricated from a combination
of vinyl or nylon portions 104 and netting 106. In a preferred
embodiment, the netting 106 is black nylon netting. The advantage
of the black color as well as brown, blue and the like is that dark
colors allow for improved see-through capability and greater stain
resistance. Further, nylon material is substantially lighter than
vinyl and therefore easier to handle.
Now referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the frame 110 includes an eave
portion 111 supported above a base portion 113 by four vertical
bars 118. When assembled, the frame 110 is rigid and supported on
the floor by the base portion 113. The bed 200 within the enclosure
100 has a head 202 and a foot 204 (see FIG. 1), thus, the frame 110
has a corresponding head end and foot end, respectively, although
the frame 110 as shown is symmetrical. Preferably, the strength and
stability of the frame 110 is such that an adult could robustly
attempt exit without damage to the frame 110 or tipping the frame
110 over.
The base portion 113 has two non-linear substantially parallel
elongated supports 115, each support 115 having a head portion 112h
and a foot portion 112f. The head portion 112h and the foot portion
112f are linked by a coupling 114. Two parallel transverse supports
117 extend between the non-linear supports 115 to substantially
form a rectangle approximately the size of a standard hospital bed
200. The transverse supports 117 include two portions 120 linked by
a coupling 114. Traditionally, the standard hospital bed 200 is
approximately 90.25.times.36.64 inches although it will be
appreciated that the enclosure 100, in particular the rectangle
formed by the base portion 113 and eave portion 111, is well suited
to adaptation to beds of any size.
Four lower corner brackets 116 secure the elongated supports 115
and transverse supports 117 of the base portion 113 in such a
manner that both supports 115, 117 can selectively rotate.
Preferably, each coupling 114 is pivotably connected and located
intermediate each support 115, 117 for facilitating collapsing the
frame 110 as will be described hereinbelow with respect to FIGS. 4
and 5. The central region of the elongated supports 115 of the base
portion 113 is offset towards the interior of the enclosure 100 for
facilitating collapsing the enclosure 100 as well.
The eave portion 111 is supported above the base portion 113 by
four vertical, parallel rectangular bars 118. Two linear parallel
elongated supports 121 extend between a head end and a foot end of
the eave portion 111. Two parallel transverse supports 123 extend
between the elongated supports 121 to form a rectangle therewith
approximately the size of a standard hospital bed 200. Four upper
corner brackets 116 secure the supports 121, 123 of the eave
portion 111 in such a manner that each of the supports can
selectively rotate downward therefrom. Preferably, each of the
supports 121, 123 of the eave portion 111 has pivot devices 114
located intermediate their length for facilitating collapsing the
frame 110.
Still referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, when assembled, the corner
brackets 116 rigidly secure the four vertical bars 118 thereto. In
another embodiment, the four vertical bars 118 are integral with
the corner brackets 116. In another embodiment, the supports 121,
123 of the eave portion 111 are monolithic and selectively detach
from the corner brackets 116 for partial disassembly. In still
another embodiment, the head end and the foot end of the eave
portion 111 are supported above the base portion 113 by two solid
panels as would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the
pertinent art based upon review of the subject disclosure shown in
phantom line on FIG. 4. In yet still another embodiment, only
elongated or transverse parallel pairs of parallel supports of the
eave and base portions include pivoting couplings 114, thus the
frame only partially collapses.
In order to position the bed 200 within the enclosure 100, the head
end 112h and the foot end 112f of the base portion can be
disconnected at an intermediate point via coupling 114 and rotated
upwards along arrow A. Since the bed 200 is commonly mounted on
wheels 206, the bed 200 can be rolled into the enclosure 100
without interference. Upon positioning the bed 200 within the
enclosure 100, the head end 112h and the foot end 112f are rotated
downwards and secured together with coupling 114. At such time, a
mattress is placed inside the canopy 102 and the patient may be
placed in the bed 200 and the canopy 102 secured in place.
Alternatively, the canopy 102 may be secured in place about the
frame 110 and the patient may enter the restraining area through an
opening 180 in the canopy 102. In another embodiment, there is no
base portion. In one embodiment without a base portion, the four
vertical bars 118 would terminate in foot plates. In another
embodiment, the four vertical bars 118 terminate in a post adapted
and configured for insertion in the headboard and footboard slots
of a standard hospital bed 200. Thus, to erect the enclosure about
the bed 200, the headboard and footboard are removed and the four
vertical bars are inserted therein. Alternatively, the four
vertical bars could bolt onto a bed or an adapter plate could
facilitate secure locking engagement to a bed.
Referring to FIGS. 3A through 3D, a corner bracket 116 has a base
component 140 and an upper component 142 which are preferably made
from metal and welded or riveted together. The base component 140
has a substantially triangular platform 148 with two upstanding
triangles 149 on edges thereof. The two upstanding triangles 149
define a channel 151 for receiving a portion of a vertical bar 118.
The upper component 142 has a flange 143 for engaging the base
component 140 and two upstanding triangles 145. The vertical bars
118 are also welded or riveted fixed securely to the corner
brackets 116. An angle iron 144 is welded or riveted to the upper
component 142 and vertical bar 118 for additional support, fit and
rigidity. It is envisioned that the vertical bars 118, base
component 140, upper component 142 and angle iron 144 may be of
monolithic construction, riveted, screwed, glued or the like, in
order to form a desired shape which performs the necessary
function. In another embodiment, instead of an angle iron 144 for
extra structural support, the shape of the corner brackets 166 is
modified to conform to the vertical bar 118 for fixedly securing
the vertical bar 118 thereto.
Referring now to FIGS. 3E through 3H, the ends 150 of the supports
115, 117, 121, 123 of the base portion 113 and eave portion 111
rotatably couple to the corner brackets 116. Preferably, the ends
150 of the supports are rounded and define a pivot passage 152 for
receiving a pin (not shown) as best shown in FIG. 3F. The pin also
extends through holes 146 formed in the corner brackets 116. The
pin may be held in place by a cotter pin and the like and secured
to the frame 110 by a nylon coated stainless steel tether 166 as
shown in FIG. 3H. In one embodiment, a teflon bushing is inserted
in the pivot passage 152 to enhance the smooth rotation and wear
characteristics. A locking fastener (not shown) such as a captive
screw secures the supports 115, 117, 121, 123 rigidly to the corner
brackets 116 for assembly. Preferably, the locking fastener extends
through aligned holes (not shown) in the supports 115, 117, 121,
123 and corresponding corner brackets 116. The aligned holes may be
threaded or a nut and bolt combination may be used to fix the
supports 115, 117, 121, 123.
Referring to FIGS. 3E through 3L, couplings 114 selectively
rotatably or rigidly secure together the intermediate ends of the
supports 115, 117, 121, 123. A pivot pin (not shown) rotatably
secures the intermediate ends 150 of the supports 115, 117, 121,
123 to the couplings 114 by extending through holes 152 in the
supports 115, 117, 121, 123 and opening 158 in the couplings 114.
To fix the supports 115, 117, 121, 123 rigidly, a pin and fasteners
(not shown) extend through holes 160, 159 of the coupling 114,
respectively, into holes 156, 153, respectively, of the supports
115, 117, 121, 123. Preferably, a pair of nut plates 119 spreads
the connection force over an area of the supports 115, 117, 121,
123. For example, the pins extend into openings 163 on the nut
plates 119 and the nut plates 119 are held in place about each side
of the channel 156 of end 150 by the fasteners which pass through
holes 161 of one of the nut plates 119 and thread into the opposing
nut plate 119 by corresponding holes 161. Preferably, the pins and
fasteners have locking rings to facilitate captive engagement with
the nut plates 119 to prevent loss when disassembled and to provide
efficient storage thereof. In another embodiment, teflon bushings
(not shown) are pressed into the central openings 156 to alleviate
the need for exceptionally tight tolerancing for a snug fit.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the corner brackets 116 and the
couplings 114 of the frame 110 have been released to allow
collapsing the frame 110 for transportation and storage. Upon
release, the four vertical bars 118 remain upright and are brought
together. As the four vertical bars 118 are brought together, each
of the supports 115, 117, 121, 123 pivotally hinges at the corner
bracket 116 on one end and at the coupling 114 on the inner end.
The height of the four bars 118 is selected such that the inner
ends of the transverse supports 123 of the eave portion 111 and the
inner end of the transverse supports 117 of the base portion 113 do
not overlap. However, the inner ends of the elongated supports 121
of the eave portion 111 and the inner ends of the elongated
supports 115 of the base portion 113 do overlap. To accommodate the
overlap, the non-linear shape of the elongated support members 115
of the base portion 113 prevent interference between the central
region of the eave portion's elongated supports 121 and the base
portion's elongated supports 115 when fully collapsed. As a result,
the frame 110 can be minimized for storage and transport as shown
in FIG. 5. Preferably, a strap (not shown), attached to the frame
110, is used to secure the frame 110 in the minimized position. In
another embodiment, the collapsed frame 110 is stored within a
transport bag. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the
pertinent art based upon review of the subject disclosure that the
frame 110 may be collapsed with the canopy 102 in place.
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, another embodiment of a canopy for an
enclosure of the present invention is indicated generally by the
reference numeral 302. The canopy 302 is similar to the canopy 102
described above, and therefore like reference numerals preceded by
the numeral "3" instead of the numeral "1" are used to indicate
like elements. The canopy 302 drapes down from the eave portion 111
of the frame 110 by sleeves 303. The canopy 302 leaves access to a
portion of the bed for adjusting the bed. Preferably, the canopy
302 has zippers (not shown) in lower panels 308 to provide such
access as would be well within the skill of one in the pertinent
art. The sleeves 303 are fabricated from a combination of nylon
310, foam 312 and mesh 314. The foam 312 acts as padding for the
frame 110. In a preferred embodiment, the foam 312 is a closed cell
padding material to prevent water absorption and the mesh 314
allows water drainage and drying after the canopy 302 has been
washed. In another embodiment, sleeves are provided for securing
the canopy 302 to the vertical bars 118 of the frame 110 as
well.
Referring to FIGS. 8A and 8B, a collar assembly 320 is fitted to
each vertical bar 118 to prevent injury to the restrained patient.
Additional collar assemblies 320 may be fitted and used to cover
any portion of the frame which may pose potential for injury to a
patient. The collar assemblies are also composed of nylon 322, foam
324, mesh 326 and fasteners 328 to allow for easy maintenance,
assembly and protection of the patient from injury against the
frame 110. The collar assemblies 320 are contoured for snugly and
aesthetically fitting against the frame 110. The fasteners 328 are
used to insure a snug fit of the collar assemblies 320 onto the
frame 110. Preferably, the fasteners 328 are hook and loop fabric
pairs.
As would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent
art, upon review of the subject disclosure, the figures and
associated detailed description are representative of preferred
embodiments and various modifications can be made thereto. While
the invention has been described with respect to preferred
embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that
various changes and/or modifications can be made to the invention
without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as
disclosed herein and as claimed.
* * * * *